Known as the gentle giants of the horse world and recognised in Australia as 'the breed that built the nation', the magnificent Clydesdale has a long history with Queensland.
It is hard to believe this breed is listed as 'vulnerable' internationally especially if you see them in such numbers as will be visiting the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular this year.
The Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular at Boonah on June 11 and 12, 2022 is the richest Clydesdale Show in the Southern Hemisphere, where the grand champions of the breed are judged, the heritage of the breed is shared, and the history of the breed in Australia is toasted. It's also a showcase of rural life and the beautiful Scenic Rim.
"The event will feature some of the top Clydesdales in the country and shouldn't be missed by anyone who has an interest in the breed, or anyone who loves horses, or for that matter anyone who wants a brilliant experience in the country where there is literally something to watch and experience at every moment!" said event organiser Greta Stanfield.
While the full schedule of Clydesdale competition takes place in the main arena, rare trades that focus around "the heavy horse" are showcased including harness making, blacksmithing, wheelwrights, horse-drawn demonstrations and driving displays, whip plaiting and more.
Additional highlights include the Queensland Whip Cracking Championships, World Billy Boiling Championships, wood chopping, working dog displays, Friesian Horse Troupe performances and bush poetry.
In tribute to the Scottish descendants who moved to the region and brought with them their beloved Clydesdale, the event includes a stirring massing of Pipes and Drums, Calling of the Clans, the Clydesdale and Clan class and traditional Scottish caber tossing. There'll be haggis burgers a whisky bar and Scots are encouraged to attend in their clan kilts!
This year the two day spectacular will include even more family events, interactive demonstrations, food experiences, and of course, horses!
There are also carriage rides, performances, artisan coopering, camels, the animal nursery and more.
The Boonah region's Clydesdale heritage began in the 1840s but when the Australian Clydesdale numbers began to decline in the 1960s, a local family bred vigour back into the breed, promoted its value and presided over the rebirth of the Clydesdale horse in Australia.
"The Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular was born from a desire by local breeders to pay respect to the history and heritage of this magnificent horse. From the beginning this event has attracted competitors, participants and spectators from across the country and overseas," said Greta.
Testament to the region's love affair with the heavy horse, famously standing bastion at the entry to Boonah is a towering three metre sculpture of a Clydesdale by internationally acclaimed artist Andy Scott. The statue was built in a local butter factory workshop and a local economic development committee raised the funds to buy it after it had been displayed at the Swell Sculpture by the Sea Festival in Sydney.
Known as "Clydebuilt" the sculpture is recognised by the Queensland National Trust, and is also the logo of the Clydesdale Spectacular, an example of how heritage and art combine to celebrate the history of a region and develop an event which brings together a community and attracts thousands to the region.
The show begins at 8am both days and runs until late.
More information: https://clydesdalespectacular.com.au
Tickets: www.clydesdalespectacular.com.au
The Scenic Rim is a 4000 square kilometre fertile agricultural region situated on the doorstep of Brisbane and the Gold Coast and including Tamborine Mountain, Canungra, Beaudesert, Boonah, Kalbar and Peak Crossing.
The region is home to six national parks and more than 30,000ha of parkland, plus three dams, Lake Moogerah, Lake Maroon and Wyaralong Dam. The alluvial soil sustains a bounty of produce, including vegetables, olives, macadamia nuts, dairy, poultry, pork, beef, sheep, camel, finger limes, limes, coffee, avocadoes and rhubarb.
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